Fabrizio Romano provides latest on Manchester United’s Nuno Mendes transfer pursuit

As the first of two 2025 transfer windows approaches, Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest on Manchester United’s pursuit of Paris St. Germain defender Nuno Mendes.

Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes as they prepare for the 2025 transfer window, aiming to resolve ongoing issues at left-back and bolster their struggling defence under Rúben Amorim.

Amorim’s tenure at Old Trafford has been hampered by defensive weaknesses, with set-piece vulnerabilities standing out as a major concern. Addressing these flaws will be a key focus in the next transfer market.

United’s struggles at left-back are not new. Luke Shaw, a long-serving option in the position, has endured a career riddled with injuries, dating back to his devastating leg break against PSV Eindhoven in 2015.

Meanwhile, Shaw’s backup, Tyrell Malacia, has only recently recovered from a gruelling 17-month layoff after undergoing multiple surgeries on a knee injury.

Diogo Dalot has stepped in to cover the position over the past year, but Amorim has conceded that the Portuguese international is far more effective playing on the right side.

Romano provides latest on United’s pursuit of Mendes

The news of United wanting Mendes initially came from reports in France, but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that Mendes is a player that United appreciate.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano explained that United are planning on signing a new left-back in 2025 given the struggles they have experienced in the position in the past decade.

However, he was also quick to point out that although Mendes is on their list, he is not the only player in the position that the club are looking at.

Previous reports have explained Mendes, who played 47 times under Amorim at Sporting, may cost any club that wants to sign him as much as £58 million, which may be above United’s budget.

Which other left-backs are on United’s radar?

United are also said to be closely monitoring Benfica left-back Alvaro Fernandez, who signed for the Portuguese club from United in January last year on an initial loan deal that became permanent.

It would be a very cost-effective transfer for United, as although the 21-year-old has. £42 million release clause in his contract, Amorim’s side have retained a £16 million repurchase option that is valid until 2026.

The club have also previously been linked to Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, who impressed when his side defeated United 3-0 earlier this month in the Premier League.

There are also continued rumours that United are attempting to lure Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies to Old Trafford this summer, as he is set to leave the Bundesliga side for free when his contract expires in 2025.

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